Creative Writing (BA Hons)

Creative Writing

Let your next chapter begin here

Student Profile

Daniel Sluman

Former student

Former student, Daniel Sluman, is the author of two poetry collections and a disability rights activist. He has recently co-edited the first major UK disability anthology, Stairs and Whispers: D/deafand Disabled Poets Write Back. His second collection, The Terrible, was published by Nine Arches Press in 2015.

He has received wide critical acclaim for his work and was named one of the Top 5 British Poets to Watch in 2015 by The Huffington Post.

Daniel said: "My time at University of Gloucestershire gave me the grounding I needed for a successful career as a writer and academic. The support I had from my lecturers and supervisors was invaluable in helping me find my voice and in securing publishing deals for three books."

Unique opportunities

Amazing experiences to develop your narrative.

Graduate as a published author - 'Duet', written by our students, was recently launched at Waterstone's.

Showcase your work at open mic nights, or have it performed at the Everyman Theatre.

Immerse yourself in the Cheltenham Literature Festival, which attracts writers and thinkers from all over the world.

Where futures are written

Stunning backdrop

Close-Knit Community

Our Francis Close Hall campus has been part of our heritage for 150 years and provides a stunning and atmospheric backdrop for studying.

While it is just 10 minutes' walk from Cheltenham town centre, you will find everything you need on site, including a specialist library, café and shop.

On campus, we have established a close-knit and collaborative community, where students from a range of subjects can share and develop ideas, creating a student experience like no other.

Learn from published writers

Dr Angela France

Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing

Angela France has published four poetry books; Occupation (2009), Lessons in Mallemaroking (2011), Hide (2013), and The Hill (2017). She has particular interests in the difficulties and opportunities of writing in the first person, the critical reception of women's versus men's writing, and writing about place.

She is currently researching the critical response to women's poetry, and the bias in published reviews of women's work compared to reviews of men's writing. She is also examining the local history of civil disobedience and how it can be used in contemporary poetry to explore notions of place and ownership.

Spectres of Spanish Fiction

Dan, one of our students, recites a poem he wrote while on a field trip to Córdoba.

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Course Details

Course outline

Be mentored by professional authors who will help you find your creative voice. See your work performed by actors in a staged reading, and get published in our student-led magazine, Show Don’t Tell, as well as our annual paperback anthology, the New Writing Series.

From poetry and playwriting to short stories and novels, you’ll focus on your existing creative passions and experiment with a wide range of styles, modes, and genres.

In your first year you’ll explore the fundamentals of prose, poetry and dramatic writing, before pursuing your chosen strand, or strands if you’re keen to combine a mix of creative areas. It offers a fulfilling experience for those serious about learning the writer’s craft and pursuing a career in the creative industries.

Cheltenham is also home to The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival that attracts writers, journalists, philosophers and historians from around the globe.

You’ll learn from award-winning lecturers who specialise in a variety of genres, including transgressive writing, confessional poetry, sci-fi, horror, and speculative fiction. This includes Professor Nigel McLoughlin, twice shortlisted for the Hennessey Award. There are plenty of opportunities to showcase your work. Students read at open mic nights, see their plays performed by professional actors, and submit to our novel writing contest.

The professional focus of your final year will prepare you for your career in the creative industries. You’ll meet with established authors, agents, and editors, and learn about the publishing industry including composing your writer’s biography and learning how to submit your work to relevant magazines and markets.

Study style

We’re a close-knit creative writing community and our students benefit from a high level of support from each other and staff. The course includes a mix of lectures, seminars and one-to-one tutorials - all taught by professional authors. In lectures, you'll learn the fundamentals of good writing by studying the greats, both classic and contemporary. In workshops, you'll develop your own stories, plays, novels and poems. Regular writing workshops mean you can share your work with peers and get their feedback.

Course modules

Take a look at the course map for a breakdown of modules that you'll study to complete the course.

Industry links

Work with Parabola Arts Centre, the Everyman Theatre, Johnson & Alcock, The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival. You can join the Creative Writing society, take part in literature-themed social events, and showcase your work at friendly and vibrant open mic nights.

Tariff information for 2019 entry

Typical offers

Mature Applicants: We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants. To find out more, please email our enquiries team.

Grade 4/C in GCSE English and Mathematics (or equivalent) are normally required.
If you don't meet your tariff points total we may still consider your application.
Please email our admissions team for further information.